New Advocacy Group Calls for Increased Awareness Memorial Day 2010

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With Memorial Day 2010 Approaching, the Dignity Angels Group is Calling for Americans to Display Respect at Cemeteries and Mausoleums When Visiting Fallen Soldiers Graveside.

Houston, Texas (PRWEB)May 28, 2010

A new advocacy group is calling for increased awareness of graveside etiquette while paying respect to our country's fallen heroes this Memorial Day.

With Memorial Day 2010 soon approaching, the Dignity Angels group is calling for Americans to display a certain degree of respect at cemeteries and mausoleums when visiting loved ones graveside.

"No one in our nation deserves more honor than somebody who lost their life in order to provide freedom for this country. The Dignity Angels wants to be sure that this is done properly," said Chris Zikmanis, founder of the group. The group asks that people begin reporting issues that are noticed regarding the condition of the grave site as well as any type of inappropriate behavior.

Poorly maintained cemetery grounds are not acceptable for our heroes. The grass should be cut properly and grave markers should be cleared of debris such as leaves and limbs. Older grave markers may fall due to ground shifts and rain saturation. If this occurs, ground workers should be sure that they are returned upright. Anything less than the above mentioned is asked to be reported to the group.

Mausoleums should be well kept. Any type of odor is unacceptable. Gnats, known as crypt flies or death gnats, are sometimes present in mausoleums but are not acceptable in those holding the remains of our soldiers. The general appearance of the mausoleum should be clean and the floor should be swept.

Grounds workers are called to be more respectful, as well as those that are honoring our soldiers. The group asks those attending a graveside ceremony for a fallen soldier, refrain from talking or distracting behavior as the only person getting any type of attention should be the soldier. Cell phones should not be present at graveside. Should a visitor have to have a cell phone for an emergency situation, the phone should be silenced. Text messaging is prohibited. Proper dress should be observed as well. Men should tuck their shirts in and have them buttoned up. Women should not wear low-cut shirts or short dresses.

Citizens not immediately observing the graveside ceremonies should pay respect as well. If you notice a ceremony taking place, do your best to be as quiet as possible. There is no need to draw attention to you. If you are in a vehicle, be sure that your radio cannot be heard or that you not honk your horn. Make your presence as unnoticed as possible.

Anything less than respectful is not appropriate this coming Memorial Day 2010. We owe it to our fallen soldiers as well as those currently serving in the fight for our freedom.